In early 1959, Paradise resident Mary Audrey Youngs realized that year was the one hundred year anniversary of the discovery of the Dogtown Nugget, and she didn't think anyone was thinking about it. A member of the Native Daughters of the Golden West, she approached her group with the idea of hosting a special celebration, and they encouraged her to share her idea with the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce.

​

According to the notes of Chamber Secretary, Inge Baldinger, at the February 2, 1959 meeting, "Mrs. Youngs presented the suggestion that the Native Daughters and Chamber of Commerce join in some kind of celebration commemorating the 100 anniversary of the finding of the Willard Nugget. She gave some history of the event and expressed the idea that the two organizations collaborate in giving a dinner and dance in the 49er style."

​

Though the idea was met with some hesitancy at first (some worried there wouldn't be enough time to plan such an event on short notice), Chamber member Will Styles spoke up in support of the idea (and was named the Chairman of the Parade Committee for his trouble), and a now beloved tradition was born.